No Fanfare Needed for Departing Seahawk Running Back Shaun Alexander

I recently read an article in a local newspaper about the fanfare needed for the imminent departure of Shaun Alexander.

I say, "Are you kidding me?"

Let's not pretend that Shaun spent 17 seasons with the Seahawks, busting his rump year in and year out, making phenomenal plays out of nothing, and breaking records that are destined to stand the test of time.

That's Bret Favre. I don't question Shaun's ability. I question his desire. I question his enthusiasm. I question his guts. Mo Morris ran harder the past two seasons.

Alexander only runs with a chip on his shoulder when he needs a new contract. Otherwise, he runs about as well as Walter Jones.

I don't see any other running back in the NFL (or college for that matter) moseying up to the line of scrimmage, turning his back, and falling down, often without contact.

And let's be honest. Shaun couldn't catch a cold. In the west-coast offense, that doesn't work. So, either the Seahawks need to re-think their entire offensive approach or the running back needs to start catching balls.

All I want is an effort. And I expect most fans feel the same way.

I want a running back to square up and burst through the line of scrimmage. I want a running back to put his shoulder down and hit before being hit. I want a running back with the desire to punish you for 60 minutes.

Fanfare is reserved for the game's greatest. Shaun has only been great in streaks and will only be so again after he's let go, picked up by another team, and runs with that 2005/2006-like chip on his shoulder. Let's hope for his sake it's bigger than the contract he's going to be asking for.